President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that coverage under the national social health insurance scheme, Aasandha, will transition to an income-based model from next month.
The President made the announcement while speaking at a press briefing held at the President’s Office today.
The President noted that technical experts and industry professionals have advised that the existing framework, which provides the same level of coverage to all citizens regardless of income, is not the most appropriate approach.
Under the revised policy, individuals earning a monthly salary of more than MVR 60,000 will no longer receive 100 per cent coverage under Aasandha. Instead, those within this income bracket will access Aasandha benefits through a co-payment or pre-payment arrangement.
The President stated that the reform is expected to save the State MVR 287 million annually, which will be redirected towards other public services and national development priorities. He noted that while expenditure on Aasandha is expected to begin declining this year, the full fiscal impact of the reform will be realised over the course of the coming year.
Further operational details on the changes to Aasandha, the national social health insurance scheme established to ensure accessible healthcare for all Maldivian citizens, will be announced by the relevant authorities in due course.
